At the VFW National Home, we are dedicated to empowering military and veteran families with children by providing a supportive community and a strong foundation of services and resources. The Red, White & Blue Program is designed to reduce stress, build resilience, and prepare families for long-term stability.
Families in the program work closely with a Case Manager to set and track individualized SMART goals. These goals guide each family through four intentional phases that build upon one another:
· Red – Stabilization & Foundation: Families address immediate challenges, remove barriers, and develop healthy financial habits to establish stability.
· White – Skill Building & Accountability: Families strengthen relationships, build confidence, and plan for life after the program, including future housing options.
· Blue – Transition Readiness: Families finalize a personalized transition plan focused on housing, employment, education, and overall family well-being.
· Transition – Independence & Execution: Families implement their plans, celebrate accomplishments, and take meaningful steps toward long-term stability, such as pursuing education, securing good-paying jobs, or preparing for homeownership.
To further support families as they move forward, the Red, White & Blue Grant was created by 2024–2025 VFW Department of Ohio Commander Kari Pfeifer and 2024–2025 VFW Department of Ohio Auxiliary President Jessica Gardner. This grant provides critical financial assistance to families as they transition out of the program and into independence.
First Grant Recipient
The first Red, White & Blue Grant was awarded to a remarkable single mother of two who successfully transitioned from the Ohio house. Over four years, she worked tirelessly, saved diligently, and remained committed to providing her children with a stable and loving future. This grant will play an important role in helping them take the next step toward permanent housing by supporting the early stages of building a home on property they have worked hard to secure. In the meantime, the family is residing in a rental home until construction gets underway.
The Red, White & Blue Grant represents more than financial assistance — it provides opportunities, encouragement, and a pathway to lasting independence for families working toward a brighter future, demonstrating the power of community, intentional planning, and compassionate support.
With each family that progresses through the program and achieves stability, the VFW National Home continues to fulfill its mission—helping military and veteran families with children build a brighter future.
